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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold the third and final Book Club discussion on our spring book selection, An Eye for an I: Growing Up with Blindness, Bigotry, and Family Mental Illness by James Bonilla, on Monday evening, April 13th, 6:15 PM-8:00 PM, at The Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, in Whitewater.
This powerful narrative offers an intersectional analysis of disability, racism, and mental illness, inviting readers to empathize, be inspired, and consider their own potential for social change. Our discussion on April 13th will cover chapters 31-42.
ACQUIRE THE BOOK TODAY! A limited supply of books are available at The Book Teller (call 262-269-9109 to hold a copy to purchase) and local libraries. You can also order the book from Amazon.
The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate and refreshments will be served. For questions or further information please contact Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com, or Deb Gamble, 23debg@gmail.com
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.
Congratulations to the WHS Forensics team for an outstanding season of public speaking. The team finished their final individual competition last week in Lake Mills. Five of the seven members will be moving on to the state WISDAA competition on April 18th. Students going to state are Peyton Comfort and Sophia Noonan in Acting Solo Serious, Atreya Wilson in Impromptu Speaking, Grace Coleman in Oratory, and Lucy Davis in Poetry.
Article and Photo Courtesy of Jim Mc Culloch
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
jMcCulloch@wwusd.org
Library Presents Badger Talk Low Brass Ensemble Performance
Whitewater Public Library is excited to host a Badger Talk performance featuring University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Low Brass Ensemble. A collective of the Trombone Choir and Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, the ensemble performs original compositions, transcriptions, and arrangements across genres, showcasing the expressive potential of low brass in every form.
In this program, they will delight audiences with 45 to 60 minutes of music from a recent or upcoming concert. There is also an opportunity for informal interaction with the performers after the concert.
Discover the bold, resonant voice of the UW–Madison Low Brass Ensemble, where the power of sound meets the artistry of collaboration. Directed by Professor Tom Curry and Professor Mark Hetzler, two leading low brass educators and performers, this ensemble showcases the full spectrum of low brass brilliance—from the thunderous depths of the tuba to the soaring warmth of the trombone and euphonium.
Badger Talks reflects our tradition of the Wisconsin Idea — to extend the resources of the university to citizens of the state. Over 300 Badger Talks are hosted around the state each year, featuring faculty and staff with expertise in a variety of disciplines. Talk topics range from cutting edge discoveries to happiness in the workplace and everything in between. Professional, community, and civic organizations, as well as schools, are invited to request a UW–Madison speaker. For more information about Badger Talks or to find a speaker for your next event, contact 608-262-3880 or badgertalks@uwmad.wisc.edu.
This event will be held in Meeting Room 1 of Whitewater Public Library at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater on April 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
This program is for all ages. Registration is preferred but not required. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org/events to register in advance. You may also email hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0113 to register, or with any questions.
This 4th of July, we have the honor of celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, and we want to make it truly unforgettable- by recognizing the people who make our freedom possible.
We are inviting Veterans and Active-Duty Military to be part of the Whitewater 4th of July Parade as our honored Grand Marshals.
- Proudly represent your branch
- Wear your uniform (if you’d like!)
- All branches welcome
- Active Duty and Veterans Invited
This is more than a parade- it’s a chance for our community to come together and recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served our country.
If you have served, we would be honored to have you join us. If you know someone who has served, please encourage them to participate.
Contact Jennifer Jackson at: 262-473-0535 or JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov
LIBRARY CLOSED ON 4/3 FOR SPRING HOLIDAY
The Whitewater Public Library is closed on Friday, April 3, for their spring holiday. Staff will not be available via phone or email. However, online resources may be accessed 24/7/365 via the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org.
The library will return to normal operating hours on Saturday, April 4 at 9:00 a.m.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samuel Karns continues to provide a monthly newsletter for constituents of the district as well as the community at large. Here are just a few highlights from his last two newsletters, together with links to the publications.
February newsletter
- “Building Our Future Together” – strategic planning efforts included 11 focus groups, 6 community sessions, and one special working group meeting.
- “Teaching and learning” – Two highly rated math programs will be piloted during the second semester.
- WI Seal of Biliteracy – The district has been approved to award this seal to graduating students who have mastered two or more languages.
- Community partnership: Graduates will have the opportunity to have their photo displayed in a downtown storefront.
- The complete newsletter may be viewed here.
March newsletter
- Strategic planning for the next 3-5 years continues.
- The Whippet Wire newsletter was sent by postal mail to all residences in the district.
- Director of Teaching and Learning Terilyn Robles was selected to speak at the WI Association for Bilingual Education Conference.
- The state Forward exam will soon be administered to grade 3-8 students, with the pre-ACT and ACT exams being taken by high school students.
- Pupil services: Health care resources for uninsured and underinsured individuals are listed. Gratitude is expressed to volunteers who support a variety of resources in the community, including the Food Pantry and the Community Space.
- Multilingual learning: Seven languages are represented within the student population!
- Technology: Planning is ongoing for an infrastructure overhaul.
- The first annual Whippet Works was held, with representation from a variety of local business, industry, and organizations.
- The complete March newsletter may be viewed here.
Join the Death Café: Community Talks on Life, Loss & Legacy
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County is excited to partner with East Troy Area Intergenerational Community Center and Citizens Bank of Mukwonago to offer Death Cafe, a social program dedicated to destigmatizing conversations associated with death. The program takes place monthly on the third Tuesday of every month, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the East Troy Area Intergenerational Community Center, 2043 Division Street, Door #7, East Troy, Wisconsin.
Join us for a relaxed gathering where anyone can share tea, cake, and real conversations about death. There’s no judgement—just people coming together to talk honestly.
“We’re thrilled to build on the success of our Living with Death program,” says Jake Sawyers, Dementia Care Specialist at the ADRC. “After the October Living with Death event, participants expressed a strong interest in having these meaningful conversations more regularly. We’re proud to now offer the monthly Death Café in our community, providing a welcoming space for ongoing discussion.”
To register for this free program or for more information, please call 262-741-3273 or email Jake Sawyers at jsawyers@co.walworth.wi.us.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County ADRC.
Obituaries
Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
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